Process of preparing a polymerization catalyst and preparation of ethylene polymers with this catalyst

Abstract

Disclosed is a catalyst comprising an inert, particulate, inorganic support onto which has been deposited a group II or III metal hydrocarbyl complex of chromium and at least one additional complex or compound of a transition metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, molybdenum, and titanium. The catalyst is activated by heating in the range 200° C.-1200° C. Also disclosed is the process for the polymerization of α-olefins in the presence of said catalyst.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Process of preparing a chromium-containing catalyst component, which upon activation with heat at a temperature of from 200° to 1200° C. will effect the polymerization of alpha-olefins, comprising depositing jointly or subsequently from solution onto an inert, particulate, inorganic support the following components: (a) a first component which is a chromium complex comprising the reaction product of: (1) a chromium compound, and   (2) a group II or III element hydrocarbyl compound wherein the hydrocarbyl group contains 1-20 carbon atoms; and     (b) at least one second component selected from the group consisting of (1) a transition metal complex which is the reaction product of: (a) a transition metal compound wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, molybdenum, and titanium, and   (b) a group II or III metal hydrocarbyl compound wherein the hydrocarbyl groups contain 1-20 carbon atoms, and     (2) a transition metal alkoxide or carboxylic acid salt wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, molybdenum, and titanium.     
     
     
       2. Process of claim 1, wherein said transition metal complex is formed by reacting from 0.5 to 20 moles of said group II or III element hydrocarbyl compound per mole of said transition metal compound. 
     
     
       3. Process of claim 1 wherein said chromium compound is selected from the group consisting of chromium-1, 3-diketo compounds, chromium salts of mineral acids, and chromium salts of carboxylic acids. 
     
     
       4. Process of any one of claims 1 or 3 wherein said transition metal compound is selected from the group consisting of transition metal-1, 3-diketo compounds, transition metal salts of mineral acids, and transition metal salts of carboxylic acids. 
     
     
       5. Process of claim 1 wherein said metal hydrocarbyl compound is selected from the group consisting of dialkyl compounds of group II elements and trialkyl compounds of group III elements. 
     
     
       6. Process of claim 1 wherein the atomic ratio of chromium to total quantity of transition metals is between 1:50 and 50:1. 
     
     
       7. Process of claim 1 comprising activating said catalyst component by heating in the range 200° C.-1200° C. in a non-reducing atmosphere.